Music and Worship in Pagan and Christian Antiquity (Npm Studies in Church Music and Liturgy)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 243 pages
• Published by: Pastoral Press June 1983
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0960237879
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0960237876
• Book Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Weighs: 14.4 ounces

Language Notes
Text: English, German (translation)

Reader Reviews
Johannes Quasten may be the only known scholar who understands the facts and symbols of instrumental music in paganism and later Christianity. Quasten reviews many of the church Father's opposition to music as worship. He discusses the cultic purpose of sacrificial music and the struggle of Christianity in resisting the strong appeal of music in inducing a certain "feeling" confused as "spiritual." Music was a powerful tool in magical rituals such as divination. Quasten also discusses many of the paintings and statues. For instance, in explaining the harps in the book of Revelation he notes that "heaven" was the place of total joy and the lack of human responsibility. Therefore, images on tombs of the living offering instruments to the dead is their testimony that earthly trials are over. As David calls upon his harp or lyre to "awaken" Quasten speaks eloquently of the awakening or arousal ceremonies in connection with funerals. Others have noted that Amos, the prophet against Israel, condemned the Marzeach which was a feast with and for dead ancestors. I have owned this book for many years and find it an indispensible cross reference for personal reasearch from documents ranging from the Ancient Near Eastern Texts to the latest unwitting attempt to restore ancient pagan rituals in Christianity.